The Hill Academy Update 2026.08.31
- kevinhayashi
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
August 31, 2026
Hello Hill Families,
We’re excited to kick off another great year at The Hill Academy and welcome both our returning families and those joining the Hill community for the first time!
To help keep everyone connected and up to date, our weekly Hill Newsletter will arrive in your inbox every Friday at 6:00pm. You can expect important reminders, upcoming dates, campus updates, and key information to help you stay in the know for the week ahead.
If you would like to add or update an email address on our newsletter distribution list, please contact info@thehillacademy.com.
We’re looking forward to a fantastic year together. Welcome back, Hill families!
In this week's Newsletter:
First Week
Look for a separate email with all of the first week of school information, including what to bring, what to wear, what to expect, etc.
Packing List
Please ensure you are equipped with the materials needed to get off to a strong start!
Hill Academy Uniform (see the Gr.4-PG Apparel Guide or K-3 Apparel Guide)
Hill Academy Gym Uniform (see the Apparel Guide) for Gr. 4-PG
Student-athletes should always come prepared to be both inside and outside, rain, snow or shine
Student-athletes in Grades 4 and up require a Laptop, Tablet or Chromebook (compatible with Google Suite)
Water bottle with your name clearly labelled
You will receive your Hill Journal from the school - it is important that you have this at all times.
Suggested school supplies Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-8
***Please note that all students will receive their timetables and homeroom assignments on the first day of school.***
Pick up/Drop-off Times
Please note school start times below:
Grades K to 3 - School starts at 8:30am, drop off will begin at 8:20 and dismissal is 3:30pm and will begin at 3:25pm. Please ensure pick up and drop-offs coincide with these times. Please drive slowly at all times while on campus and note the ONE-WAY signs throughout the school property.
Grades 4 to 12/PG - School starts at 8:10am, and dismissal is 3:50pm. Please ensure pick up and drop-offs coincide with these times. Please drive slowly at all times while on campus and note the ONE-WAY signs throughout the school property.
Kiss and Ride Protocol Grades 1-PG
A smooth and efficient Kiss & Ride starts with everyone being prepared. Please have students dressed, organized, and ready to exit the vehicle when you arrive.
To help keep traffic moving, we ask parents to assist their children in getting out of the vehicle quickly and safely. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping the line moving and reducing wait times for everyone.
Please keep the following in mind:
The right side is designated for student drop-off.
The left side is for through traffic.
The roadway past the main school is one-way.
Please drive slowly and remain alert, particularly around the main building and designated turning areas.
Thank you for helping us make Kiss & Ride a safe, smooth, and efficient experience for all Hill families!
Before and After Care Available
We are proud to offer an exceptional before and after school program for the 2026/27 school year. Our program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Our before and after school program is available for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and is designed to complement their school day.
If you are interested in learning more about the Before and After Care available please visit this link.
Uniform
Please see the dress code below based on Grade.
Kindergarten - Grade 3
All Hill branded uniform items must be purchased from The Hill Store
All Day:
Hill shirt
Hill branded polo shirt for special events
Hill branded jogging pants or shorts (or athletic black skort)
Tights, leggings or bicycle shorts are NOT permitted
Grades 4-12/PG
In Class:
Hill polo shirt
Black or khaki pants, shorts or skort
Students are permitted to wear a Hill hoodie, Hill crewneck sweatshirt, or Hill track jacket over their polo
Male student-athletes' shirts must be tucked into their pants with a belt
Pants/shorts/skort cannot; be plaid, have cargo pockets, or be made of sweat suit material
Tights/leggings are NOT permitted
All shoes must be presentable, clean and professional looking
Crocs and sandals/slides are NOT permitted
Student-athletes are only permitted to wear their Hill track suit in class on Fridays. Both the pants and jacket must be in The Hill Academy uniform and worn with a Hill shirt.
In Physical Education:
Hill work-out shirt and shorts must be worn
Hill hoodie, Hill crewneck sweatshirt or Hill track jacket and track pants can be worn over top
Other:
Hats are not permitted at any time within the school buildings
Non-Hill jackets and outerwear are not permitted to be worn in class at any time
A separate order for Hill branded winter jackets will be made available in first semester
Uniform items must be purchased here: The Hill Store
Uniform apparel orders can be picked up in the main office
Privit
Returning Students:
You MUST update your PRIVIT profile forms prior to the first day of school (or training camp).
New Students:
You will be required to create a profile and fill out all information
Please note that you will need to upload a Physicians note stating that you are fit to participate in sport that is within 6 months of the start of school
*** Please note that PRIVIT Forms must be completed prior to the start of school. Failure to complete will result in the student being sent home.***
Click HERE for registration instructions.
Meal Plan
If your day student would like to join the lunch plan, please register now.
Transportation
If you require transportation, please submit this form immediately.
Annual School Calendar 2026-2027
Annual school calendars are available on the website:
Attendance Protocol for 9-12 (2026 Growing Success)
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Ontario's updated secondary assessment and evaluation requirements include attendance and participation as part of the final course grade:
Grades 9 and 10: 15% of the final course grade.
Grades 11 and 12: 10% of the final course grade.
Ontario policy states that excused absences do not negatively affect a student's mark. Excused absences are absences permitted under legislation or school policy. The School will therefore distinguish between:
Excused Absences – absences that are permitted under legislation or this policy. They will not negatively affect the attendance component of the student's final course grade.
Unexcused Absences – absences that do not meet the criteria for an excused absence and may negatively affect the attendance and participation component of the student's final course grade.
You can find more detail about the 2026/2027 Assessment Criteria for Attendance and Participation here (linked to earlier post about attendance)
ALL STUDENTS:
School success is closely tied to good attendance. When students miss learning time, they often struggle with understanding concepts, completing assignments, and performing well on assessments. Consistent attendance helps your child(ren) stay connected both academically and socially. We encourage you to commit to having your child(ren) attend school every day and arrive on time. Regular attendance builds positive habits that will last a lifetime.
If your child is absent from school, please remember to email attendance@thehillacademy.com to report the absence.
If your student athlete is going to miss their Phys. Ed or sport period for any reason, please remember to email DGlisic@thehillacademy.com.
Late Arrivals
If your child arrives late to school, please park in the designated parking areas and walk them into the main office to receive a late slip (K-8). The students will need to provide their educator with the slip upon arrival to class. High School students must sign-in at the main office.
We want to thank you for entrusting The Hill Academy with your child's academic and athletic journey. We believe we can achieve great things together, and we can't wait for to get started!
More information to come!
The Hill Academy Team
